Category Overview
The State Lands Restoration and Enhancement category provides funding to two state agencies to help repair damaged plant and animal habitat. These grants focus on resource preservation and protection of public lands. Projects in this category help bring important natural areas and resources back to their original functions by improving the self sustaining and ecological functionality of sites.
Project Highlights
The main goal of DNR’s Phase II restoration for Damon Point was to restore breeding habitat conditions for ESA listed streaked horned lark and Western snowy plover. Accompanying goals included reducing human disturbance in habitat areas, and restoring dune plant communities. Habitat restoration was achieved through multiple annual mechanical and herbicide treatments of invasive scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), European dune grass (Ammophila arenaria), shrubs and early seral tree species. Native wild strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis) were planted over approximately one acre. DNR installed a new sign at the main parking entrance to Damon Point to help reduce human disturbance. Smaller signs prohibiting dogs, and prohibiting entry during streaked horned lark breeding season were placed and repositioned. In 2023 a significant erosion event occurred, washing away approximately 40% of Damon Point’s total area. Following this event, DNR consulted with WDFW species experts and DNR’s plant Ecologist to identify locations of highest conservation priority. In 2024, species experts verified more than 20 acres of suitable nesting habitat for streaked horned larks. Signs were re-positioned to new areas of habitat restoration focus, and a primitive overland trail was installed to reduce human disturbance to primary lark habitat and sensitive salt marsh located in the northeast corner of Damon Point.